IN IMAGES, IN PICTURES. Last sea bathing of the year for 700 “banquisards” in Châtelaillon-Plage

Canceled last year because of the Covid, the traditional New Year’s Eve swim has resumed its rights. The water temperature did not dampen the ardor of the Banquisards, who came in large numbers.

15 degrees on the sand, around 10 in the water. What scare away the chilly, but delight the followers of the last bath of the year. In Châtelaillon-Plage (Charente-Maritime), it is a tradition.

For this 13th edition of the Banquisards bath, some 700 of them donned their swimsuits and Christmas hats to brave the elements. After a short warm-up, everyone started as best they could. Frankly or on tiptoe. Extended swim or short round trips.

“We can’t stay too long, we have blue legs” Gilles exclaims. Thermometer in hand, this regular in the baths of 31 assures us: the temperature of the ocean has dropped to 6 in places. He is cold but he has not lost his sense of humor. “The snail has gone up to the bottom of the shell” he jokes.

Red and white cap on his head, Julien lasted five minutes. Coming from the neighboring town of Salles-sur-Mer, he registered for the first time. “With this temperature, I would not go so far as to say that it is good, we survive what.”

Challenge yourself. Go beyond. This is what drives most participants. “It’s very cold but I’m very happy I did it” launches Laure, Rochelaise and banquisarde for the first time. “It’s very nice all this emulation, it’s a challenge.”

Superwoman costume as a swimsuit, Patricia adds. “It’s a great way to feel alive. I had a very complicated year and thanks to that, I’m ready to attack 2023.”

“Energy for the whole year”. Marc does not say anything else. A solid guy more accustomed to rugby pitches than to beaches, he displays a broad smile. “We’re not going to lie to each other, it’s fresh but I surfed a wave on December 31. Isn’t that extraordinary?”

A festive event, the Banquisards bath also has a solidarity vocation. The profits from the operation – i.e. 1,200 euros – are donated to the “Les Blouses Roses” association, which runs the pediatrics department of the La Rochelle hospital and the nursing homes in the agglomeration.